The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D. has launched a nationwide programme of events to mark Africa Day Celebrations 2018, supported by Irish Aid. These will include a flagship family day in the grounds of Farmleigh Estate in Dublin’s Phoenix Park on Sunday, 27th May and regional events in Cork, Galway, Meath, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford.

This year’s Africa Day Dublin event will feature three stages of live music, with performances by well-known African and Irish musicians, traditional African drumming and dance workshops and cultural performances. The flagship event will also feature an African bazaar showcasing food, hair-braiding and traditional fashion designs from various African countries, and a dedicated children’s area, ‘Mount Kiddimanjaro’. A special emphasis will be placed on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the simple ways attendees can contribute to their achievement.

Across the country, a diverse programme of events will take place. Highlights include:

Africa Day Cork, a family celebration in Fitzgerald’s Park, Cork on Saturday, 26th May.

The 11th Annual Galway African Film Festival, in the Bank of Ireland Theatre in NUIG, Galway, from 26th – 27th May.

An Africa Day Family Fun Day in Castle Park, Kilkenny on Sunday, 3rd June.

A ‘World Recipe Exchange’ in City Hall, Limerick on Monday, 21st May.

A red-carpet African fashion show in Meath County Offices, Co Meath on Friday, 25th May.

“Africa through the Senses: The Sights of Africa” in Waterford Cultural Quarter, Waterford, on Friday 15th June.

Speaking at the launch event, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D. said: “The volume and variety of events taking place across the country for Africa Day 2018 reflects the depth and breadth of Ireland’s relationship with many African countries.

“Spearheaded by Irish Aid, Africa Day offers us a chance to take stock of the unique cultural and economic links between this small country and a diverse continent. Africa Day is not just an acknowledgement, but a celebration of the contribution of the African diaspora to all aspects of daily life in contemporary Ireland.

“I would encourage people around the country to engage with the Africa Day celebrations and to experience the cultures of the vibrant communities that have become part of Irish society.”

The programme of Africa Day events in Ireland is coordinated and supported by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It aims to highlight the scope and benefits of Ireland’s engagement with Africa and increase public awareness of Irish Aid’s development programme throughout Africa.